The Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor is directly connected to the Engine Management Module, along with a multitude of other Sensors.
The ECM uses this info to send CAN signals that control lots of things. The Temperature Gauge is only one of these outputs, via the CJB and Instrument Panel.

From what I read in the Repair Manual, there are quite a lot of things that will be effected by an incorrect out put of the ECT Sensor, and errors will be indicated and stored as DTC codes.

It would seem wise to check, reset, and check again any error codes that are being recorded.

Bear in mind that the only place an easily fixed wrong reading can come from is likely to be in analogue part of the wiring (non-CAN) which I think is only from the ECT Sensor to the ECM, and would be worth a disconnect and reconnect. FL2 XS SD4 Auto 2010 2012-2017 (21k - 91k miles) (MY2011)
FL2 Metropolis SD4 Auto 2014 2017- (16k - 85k+ miles) (MY2015)
Metro in its 12th Year of (Extended) LR Warranty / Full LR Service History
(Expensive, but Trouble/Worry free - hopefully?)

looking at prices for a replacement thermostat as usual the price variations for the same part are utterly ridiculous, ranging from new £15 - up to over £90

Would i be a total buffoon to get this one which ends on ebay in about 90 minutes https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Range-Rover-Evo...3375592702


or play it safer by throwing more money at it like this one https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/THERMOSTAT-WITH...1781444158


looks like they both come with the temperature sensor attached. 2017 SEAT Ateca 4drive 2.0 xcellence (May 2022 -
2007 HSE with HST bodykit in Zermatt Silver 169,700 miles (dec 2016 - May 2022 )
2007 Honda Civic Type S GT (2012-2017)
2002 Mini Cooper S (2008-2012)
1992 Honda Legend 3.2i (2003-2008)
1990 Honda Concerto (1999-2003)
1985 Honda Accord (1997-1999)
1983 Honda Accord (1993-1997)
1983 Mini Mayfair (1988-1993)
1974 Mini 1000 (1979-1986)

original problem : - " temperature gauge regularly stays at one third up"


now cured with new thermostat, just went for the £15.75 one off ebay, even though P&P was free, when it arrived it had postage cost of over £5 . . . . . makes the actual part a tenner. . .  2017 SEAT Ateca 4drive 2.0 xcellence (May 2022 -
2007 HSE with HST bodykit in Zermatt Silver 169,700 miles (dec 2016 - May 2022 )
2007 Honda Civic Type S GT (2012-2017)
2002 Mini Cooper S (2008-2012)
1992 Honda Legend 3.2i (2003-2008)
1990 Honda Concerto (1999-2003)
1985 Honda Accord (1997-1999)
1983 Honda Accord (1993-1997)
1983 Mini Mayfair (1988-1993)
1974 Mini 1000 (1979-1986)

I have got 2 Freelander TD4s. Both operate with the temperature needle about 5mm below the horizontal. I have replaced thermostat housing and sensor on one of them and nothing has changed. Must be normal.

My i6 does the same, the needle's normal position has always been a hair below horizontal.

^^^Same.
I have never reflashed the display for Alex P's linear temp gauge, etc. custom coding as I have it displayed using the Torque Pro app.

OK this excludes the wife, who doesn't even know how to turn off the TV, funny how she manages internet shopping easily though

Careful Andy, the PC brigade will be after you for sexist comments. 11 GS Bali Blue
07 GS FL2. Usually muddy. Gone
Numerous LRs since 1963